Thoughts, Ideas, and Concepts by Sandra Parks

Posts tagged ‘latin’

minatory

PRONUNCIATION:

(MIN-uh-tor-ee, MYN-)

MEANING:

adjective: Threatening or menacing.

ETYMOLOGY:

From Latin minari (to threaten), from minae (threats). Ultimately from the Indo-European root men- (project) that is also the source of menace, mountain, eminent, promenade, demean, amenable, and mouth.

USAGE:

“France has seldom assumed a minatory posture towards India, being much less inclined than other major countries to hector, or push and prod in an attempt to influence policy.”

devious

PRONUNCIATION:

(DEE-vee-uhs)

MEANING:

adjective:
1. Departing from the straight or the usual way.
2. Sneaky; underhanded.

ETYMOLOGY:

From Latin devius (out of the way), from de- (out of) + via (way). Ultimately from the Indo-European root wegh- (to go or to transport in a vehicle) that resulted in words such as deviate, way, weight, wagon, vogue, vehicle, vector, envoy, and trivial.

“With John Jowett, he’s laid bare British politicians’ and lobbyists’ devious, sneaky, Machiavellian manoeuvrings in a comedy that may leave audiences wondering if this kind of farce goes on closer to home.”